SUMMARY
- Joan Laporta has made accusations in the ongoing Negreira controversy.
- Joan defended Barcelona from the ongoing controversy.
Joan Laporta, the president of FC Barcelona, has made controversial accusations in the ongoing Negreira controversy. Despite denying Barcelona’s involvement in the alleged payments made to former referee official Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira. Laporta has blamed Real Madrid for fueling the controversy for their benefit.
Prosecutors initiated an investigation in March 2023 regarding payments that exceeded €7.3 million ($7.9 million) made by Barcelona to companies linked to Negreira between 2001 and 2018. During this period, Negreira served as the vice president of the Spanish Football Federation’s refereeing committee.
Joan Laporta slams Real Madrid for the Negreira campaign
When asked about the progress of the case, Joan Laporta didn’t stand still. Barcelona denies any wrongdoing, claiming the payments were for “technical advice” on refereeing matters. Laporta further defended the club.
“I have no idea about that Negreira, I did not know him personally. What has been shown, is that during the questioning of the 23 referees is that all of them said that he did not have the power to fix matches.”
Joan Laporta on #CasoNegreira (RAC1) pic.twitter.com/qEFL9MWgwH
— Football España (@footballespana_) February 2, 2024
Claiming he had never met Negreira, he said, “I have no idea about that Negreira, I did not know him personally. What has been shown, is that during the questioning of the 23 referees is that all of them said that he did not have the power to fix matches.”
Defending his club Laporta further said, “We contracted him for consultancy regarding the referees, but I am sure that Barca will be acquitted.” With his statement, he proved that the payment was not made for fixing the matches. Instead, it was made to consult the referees.
Blaming their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, Laporta stated, “It is a campaign orchestrated, not only by Real Madrid but also by La Liga, in which I am still a part of.” Laporta expressed his opinion that Barcelona wouldn’t face any punishment from the judge as there wasn’t enough evidence of bribery.
A dementia diagnosis had previously rendered Negreira mentally unfit to testify. May now be able to provide evidence after a second medical examination. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether they have summoned him to testify.
Joan Laporta on how to end the darkest era of FC Barcelona’s history
Joan Laporta has stated that the club’s financial situation has significantly improved since he assumed office in 2021. Laporta says, “The club is currently better placed financially than when he took over.” The president attributes this improvement to various measures his board has put in place to ensure the club’s stability.
The deficit in Barcelona has fallen, driven by reduced expenses and increased revenue. Laporta notes that this is a significant achievement that has taken over two years to realize. The club has achieved this through the large turnover generated by BLM and the reduction of the sports payroll.
🚨🎙️| Laporta: “The wage bill was 98% of the club’s income when I arrived. Now, 57%.” #fcblive pic.twitter.com/kyH4ZSEhch
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) February 2, 2024
Laporta believes that the darkest era in Barcelona’s history will be over if they meet the budget. He added, “The budget produces a surplus without having to sell assets. The club has been doing some good work here.” Claiming the main budget rose due to wages, he said, “The wage bill was 98% of the club’s income when I arrived. Now, 57%.”
On how to recover the losses, Laporta said, “To fully meet the budget, we still need new income that is expected to be obtained from new sponsors. Buying and selling of players can also help us.” On not changing the structure of the club, he added, “I completely rule out the idea of Barça becoming a joint-stock company. The membership system is one of the club’s primary assets. It is highly appreciated and attracts sponsors.”
When Laporta’s board took over, the club faced €500 million ($540 million) in losses and €1,500 million ($1600 million) in debt. The board has since reduced the debt to €652 million ($704 million) and the sports payroll to €172 million ($185 million). Laporta believes the club will return to the 1/1 financial fair play rule. The sale of players will also help the club achieve its financial objectives.